Let Freedom Ring!
Michigan’s Capitol Square: A Soapbox for America
An exhibit to celebrate freedom of assembly
Photo by David Olds
On July 4, 2026, Lansing will join thousands of communities across the United States to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence establishing the sovereignty of the 13 colonies and freedom from British rule.
The Historical Society of Greater Lansing in partnership with the America250MI celebration will recognize the freedom to peacefully assemble as one of the bedrocks of democracy with a photographic exhibit featuring 150 years of public demonstrations, rallies, and celebrations that have taken place on the lawn, on the steps, and in the Rotunda of Michigan’s State Capitol.
The exhibit is underwritten in part by a $20,000 grant from America250MI, managed by the Michigan History Center and the Historical Society of Michigan. More than 95 awardees have received $3 million for programming and infrastructure relating to the 250 Celebration.
“Our collaboration withAmerica250MI helps share the inspiring stories of freedom of assembly which have taken place at the State Capitol during its nearly 150-year history,” said Bill Castanier, president of the Historical Society of Greater Lansing.
Following the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the War of Independence in 1788 the U.S. Constitution was ratified and in 1791 the First Amendment to Constitution of the United States defined the rights of citizenship saying:
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
Citizens, to be, of our fledgling nation first began debating our rights including the right to vote, abolition of slavery, labor rights, civil rights and anti-tax measures in the public squares, churches, meeting halls, and pubs of colonial America.
“The right to advocate in public spaces is baked into our democratic system and nowhere is that right more obvious than at Michigan’s State Capitol where tens of thousands of rallies and demonstrations have occurred in the nearly 150 years since the State Capitol was constructed with the intent to use its broad lawn as a gathering place,” Castanier said.
Throughout history, the Capitol Square has hosted the likes of John F. Kennedy, Teddy Roosevelt, governors, Joe the Plumber, anti-war demonstrators and Right to Work demonstrators, Rosie the Riveters, doctors, lawyers, teachers, and sports and entertainment stars. Even the devil and Ronald McDonald have come to State Capitol to advocate for political, social, religious and economic causes.
The photo exhibition will be mounted at the Society’s Museum in the Rogers-Carrier House on the campus of Lansing Community College and will open on July 4, 2026, where it will continue through the fall. The Museum on the campus of Lansing Community College will be open Saturday and Sundays from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. for the exhibit. It is located at 528 N. Capitol Avenue, Lansing, MI.
The exhibit, including 150 photographs and artifacts, is being curated by a group of photographers who worked at the State Capitol or covered the demonstrations, rallies, and events for the media.
The public also will be asked to submit personal photography for consideration.
In addition to a photo exhibition, a half-hour documentary is being produced that will recognize the importance of the right to assembly.
Two important considerations will be used in selecting photographs for display; first, all political viewpoints and opinions will be included and the photographs have to be high quality examples of freedom of assembly.
“We want to show through photography the very essence and core of freedom of assembly at work in our democracy,” Castanier said.
The Society is also looking for artifacts from demonstrations and rallies and for video that was taken of events on the Capitol Square.
For more information and details how to submit photography, video, or artifacts please contact the Historical Society of Greater Lansing.
The following photographers worked on the Exhibit: David Olds, Gary Shrewsbury, Ariniko O’Meara, Dave Trumpie, Ray Holt, Matthew Dae Smith, Jeremy Herliczek, Gary Boynton.
Photography by the following photographers are featured: Maureen Michel, Estate of Bonnie Bucqueroux, Bruce Cornelius (Lansing State Journal), Bill Mitcham (The State News), Dave Webb (Lansing State Journal), Bob Ivins (The State News), Jay Cassidy (Michigan Daily).
Historic photography by local amateurs and studios including Mead and Jennings, Philip Engelhart, Linn Photo Co. are also featured.
Photographs from the collections and archives the following institutions were consulted and chosen for exhibition: United Press International, Lansing State Journal, Michigan State Capitol Collection, Archives of Michigan.
The exhibit is curated by Jacob McCormick, Capitol Photo Archivist
Photo by Jeremy Herliczek